Finders.com.au’s Bessie Hassan told Yahoo7 in a statement “it’s concerning” “so many Australians” admit to putting lives at risk on the road by engaging in such dangerous behaviours.

“Many of us are probably guilty of doing at least one of these before, but we shouldn’t be sacrificing our safety for convenience,” she said in a statement.

“While eating or smoking behind the wheel might not seem too dangerous, the reality is that these are distractions that can cause drivers to look away from the road.”

About 14 per cent of drivers admitted to smoking.

The report also found 20 per cent of drivers sent texts while behind the wheel. File pic. Source: Getty Images

Drivers obsessed with their phones

Many drivers are also operating a vehicle in thongs, risking getting them caught on pedals, with 31 per cent admitting to not wearing covered shoes.

While it’s not technically illegal to wear them while driving, police can still pull you over and fine you, according to CarsGuide.com.au.

Drivers also can’t get their eyes off their phones either. Twenty per cent sent text messages while 13 per cent admitted to answering a call “directly” to the ear.

About four per cent have read a book or watched a movie while driving and five per cent have decided to change their clothes.

Nearly one in 10 drivers steer with their knees, about five per cent apply make-up and eight per cent use social media. Kids have also proved distracting with about 14 per cent of drivers having to reach into the back seat to deal with children.

Ms Hassan warned anyone engaging in risky behaviour while driving their insurance may not cover them.

“If you’re deemed to have been driving recklessly or engaging in risky behaviour behind the wheel and you are in an accident, you may not be able to claim the damage on your insurance,” she said.

“Comprehensive car insurance also won’t cover damage that’s been caused by illegal activities such as texting and driving.”